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Azerbaijan thump African champions

Tournament debutants Azerbaijan made an emphatic start to their FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016 campaign with a convincing 5-0 victory over Group F rivals Morocco in Medellin on Monday.

Vassoura’s hat-trick set the Azeris on their way to a win in the country’s debut at a FIFA Futsal World Cup tournament, while Gallo and Thiago Bolinha added to the scoreline in the second half at the Coliseo Ivan de Bedout.

Morocco’s Rabie Zaari was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half, with Azerbaijan’s pressure eventually paying off as Vassoura broke the deadlock with a fine turn and finish from Fabio Poletto’s pass.

Vassoura then doubled Azerbaijan’s advantage on the counter-attack, slipping a low strike between the legs of Zaari for a two-goal lead at the break.

The European side continued their dominance after the restart, claiming a three-goal advantage from a well-worked corner. Gallo powered his first-time shot past Morocco substitute goalkeeper Reda Khiyari, who took over for the injured Zaari late in the first half.

Three soon became four as fine work by Bolinha put Azerbaijan in full control, before Vassoura completed his hat-trick by converting into an empty Moroccan goal from his own half after the African champions pulled their goalkeeper for an extra attacker.

Both sides will return to Group F action on Thursday in Medellin. Azerbaijan face European champions Spain before Morocco meet Iran.